asked the Minister for Defence the reason Army recruitment has stopped; and when he proposes to re-commence the recruitment campaign.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Army Recruitment.
24.
The Estimate for Defence for the financial year 1982 provides for an average strength of "other ranks" in the Permanent Defence Force of 13,600. As the actual strength had exceeded this figure in December 1981, recruitment was suspended.
The question of a resumption of recruitment is being kept under review in the light of current strengths and commitments.
In the light of our present security situation and the number of security forces involved in day-to-day banking security, does the Minister now consider that there is urgent need to top up the numbers of soldiers required?
I would not think so because the present strength of the force is at its greatest since the emergency. We have now the greatest strength ever. We were in a position to meet a demand for 70 extra troops for service abroad recently. The strength is at its highest figure ever, which at 31 December 1981 stood at 13,724.